UL, a leading safety science company, publishes research findings detailing the 
effects of 3D printing on safety-critical polymer performance properties. The 
findings have been used to develop a framework for evaluating and qualifying 
materials, helping stakeholders across the additive manufacturing (AM) supply 
chain to mitigate risk and deliver quality and performance.

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UL investigated the flammability, ignition and electrical properties of samples 
that were 3D printed against samples manufactured using conventional, 
injection-molded methods. Researchers identified significant safety and 
performance variations and concluded that performance ratings from traditional 
manufacturing techniques cannot be applied when the same material is used in a 
3D printing process to print a 3D part.

In response, UL has developed a certification program for plastics for additive 
manufacturing (Blue Card), The Blue Card presents the data necessary to ensure 
the integrity and usefulness of materials intended for 3D printing and 3D 
printed components and products. A Blue Card is automatically issued when a 
material intended for 3D printing receives a UL Recognized Component Mark. 

UL Certified AM materials are published in UL's publicly available Product 
iQ(TM) database, making them searchable to thousands of manufacturers looking 
for a certified 3D material.  By using an independently tested and certified 3D 
material, end-product manufacturers can save time and money certifying their 
end-products or systems.  As Blue Cards are specific to a 3D printer, a 3D 
printer manufacturer can also certify material for explicit use on his 
equipment.

Read UL's white paper 'Certifying plastics for additive manufacturing' ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2760912-1&h=137509132&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ul.com%2Finsights%2Fcertifying-plastics-additive-manufacturing%3Futm_source%3Dpr_newswire%26utm_medium%3Dtext_link%26utm_campaign%3Dblue_card%26utm_term%3Dmsc%26utm_content%3Dpr&a=%27Certifying+plastics+for+additive+manufacturing%27 
) for an overview on UL's research. A copy of the detailed research study 
(https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2760912-1&h=2528069644&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.
ul.com%2Finsights%2Finfluence-3d-printing-safety-critical-polymer-performance-pr
operties%3Futm_source%3Dpr_newswire%26utm_medium%3Dtext_link%26utm_campaign%3Dbl
ue_card%26utm_term%3Dmsc%26utm_content%3Dpr&a=detailed+research+study ) is 
available for download now.

For more information about UL's certification program for Plastics for Additive 
Manufacturing program, visit UL.com/BlueCard ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2760912-1&h=1884311633&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ul.com%2Fofferings%2Ful-blue-card-plastics-additive-manufacturing%3Futm_source%3Dpr_newswire%26utm_medium%3Dtext_link%26utm_campaign%3Dblue_card%26utm_term%3Dmsc%26utm_content%3Dpr&a=UL.com%2FBlueCard 
).

About UL
UL helps create a better world by applying science to solve safety, security 
and sustainability challenges. We empower trust by enabling the safe adoption 
of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion to 
make the world a safer place. All of our work, from independent research and 
standards development, to testing and certification, to providing analytical 
and digital solutions, helps improve global well-being. Businesses, industries, 
governments, regulatory authorities and the public put their trust in us so 
they can make smarter decisions. To learn more, visit www.UL.com.

CONTACT: Marlene Stezinar
Marketing Manager
UL
T: +49 (0)2151 5370 309

SOURCE: UL LLC